Three-year ban for Jimmy recommended

A four-member committee formed by the Bangladesh Hockey Federation on Wednesday recommended for national captain Russell Mahmud Jimmy to be suspended for three years.The federation formed the committee earlier this month after Jimmy was found to have criticised the officials in a Television interview during last month’s Hockey World League Round-2 in Dhaka.In the interview, Jimmy questioned the federation officials’ right to criticise players for their performance in the competition where Bangladesh failed to reach the semi-finals. After the incident, the federation brought four charges against Jimmy which included misbehaviour with Bangladesh Army players during the Victory Day tournament. Jimmy was also accused of breaking a promise he made while the federation lifted his three-year suspension in 2015. The BHF issued a show-cause notice for him on March 1, asking the striker to explain his behaviour.The four-member committee, headed by Mahbubul Ehsan Rana (himself once banned for life in his playing career), quizzed Jimmy on March 8. One of the committee members Rafiqul Islam Kamal told New Age on Wednesday that Jimmy denied all charges against him. Jimmy could not be reached for comments.